Oct

10

2018

From The Blog

Hurricane Michael Update – Tropical Storm Conditions Expected

The Town, KICA and Charleston County Emergency Management officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Michael as it makes landfall along the Florida Panhandle Coast as a Category 4. Michael is expected to move across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Thursday gradually weakening to a tropical storm.

Charleston County is currently under a tropical storm warning. Beginning tonight through Thursday evening, we are expected to experience tropical storm force winds, heavy rain bands, significant risks of isolated tornadoes, potential flooding and dangerous surf conditions.

Specifically, our area can expect 1-2 inches of rain, sustained winds of 20-40 mph, and wind gusts up to 45 mph resulting in downed trees and large debris. Residents should prepare their property by securing any items that could become airborne.

Please be aware:

– There are significant risks of tornadoes with this storm.
– There could be power outages and restricted access on bridges if the wind conditions warrant. More information on high wind bridge procedures can be found here.

Island Updates:

– Town offices will be closed tomorrow and will reopen on Friday.
– KICA security will maintain 24 hour/day operations.
– KICA offices and the Sandcastle are closed on Thursday, and are expected to reopen for normal business hours on Friday.
– High surf and rip current advisories are in effect through Thursday evening.
– Since Kiawah is expecting King Tides today and Thursday, tide levels will be above average. Tide Information: Wednesday High Tide:  9:58 p.m. – 6.63 ft. Thursday High Tide: 10:33 a.m. – 7 ft and 10:43 p.m. – 6.3 ft.
– KICA has deployed water depth markers in areas prone to flooding.
– KICA has set its drainage system to reduce pond levels.
– Commercial Work Restricted: No routine construction activity or maintenance, including landscaping, will be permitted. Contractors assisting with storm response or emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis. Deliveries and other commercial activity supporting ongoing operations at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Kiawah Island Club will be coordinated with those entities.
– KICA’s Grand Opening Soiree event remains scheduled for Friday. Sandcastle pools will be closed Friday for event setup.
– Thursday’s yard debris collection has been moved to Friday.
– For Freshfields Village store operations, visit www.freshfieldsvillage.com/village-hours.
– Charleston County Citizen’s Information line (843-746-3900) has been activated and will operate today until 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
– Bees Ferry Landfill will be closed tomorrow.

Members should continue to monitor the weather along with official communications from the Town and KICA. Members should also secure loose items around their property that could be damaged or become projectiles in heavy wind.


USEFUL LINKS

While KICA will continue to keep you updated, we ask that you consult the National Hurricane Center and these other useful links for official information on the developing situation.

– National Weather Service
– Charleston County Emergency Management
– SC Emergency Management Division
– Live 5 News
– ABC News 4
– WCBD News 2
– Post and Courier


Sign up for Code Red with the Town of Kiawah Island to stay ahead of the storms and get emergency notifications sent straight to your phone.

In addition to severe weather updates, Code Red will also keep you informed of other emergency situations and critical community alerts such as official evacuation notices, boil water notices, missing child reports, and more. Sign up today!